Are we only responsible for what we say, or also for what others understand?
I am a practicing Business-Financial-Nonprofit Services provider, a paid Consultant for other business owners and nonprofit directors, a Young Adult Mentor, AND a Certified Professional Life Coach.
I am literally paid to help others devise strategies that work best for them to get their desired results, and then to apply practical, real-life experience and expertise to help implement and execute those strategies.
That sounded fancy.
I also have a pretty successful track record.
At least for those who listen.
You know what, though? It doesn’t feel fancy when your input is ignored and problems continue, or when you have to find a way to tactfully tell the one paying you that they are, in fact, the one causing said problems.
Cue repeat.
It actually feels more like THIS:
Because NEWS FLASH: Not everyone takes that information well.
THEN let’s add in the fun of watching these same humans go through mentor after coach after consultant after expert…..who all provide nearly identical input, but with no positive changes, because you know, THAT person has to be wrong. And that one, too. And that one…..
Cue repeat.
If only people would JUST STOP IT.
Sigh.
I love what I do. All of it. And I have worked hard to learn and become what some consider to be an Expert (blush!) in my chosen fields.
I also truly love my clients and want to help them get what they need as quickly and as efficiently as possible.
And I know I am not the only one who usually feels fulfilled by the job(s) and satisfied with the results but occasionally feels frustrated and undervalued since it is all part of understanding human nature.
We do work with humans, after all. So I feel stabby some days, too.
It would be so nice if said humans knew exactly what they needed and how to specifically ask for it so that reality can match expectations and avoid unnecessary frustration a lot sooner, wouldn’t it?
Why, YES! Yes, it would.
If you kept asking for spinach so I kept handing you spinach although you REALLY meant to say bacon…who is really to blame here if you didn’t get the bacon you REALLY wanted and ended up with a pile of spinach? You are.
Yes, YOU.
How about if you ordered bacon but were only willing to pay for spinach?
Yep, still you.
AND you still end up with no bacon!
*I should probably also add that anyone who does not already know the difference between spinach and bacon is probably a dangerous psychopath who is way beyond my ability to help anyway.
SO…..
Here are some advice recommendations reminders truths basics that will help you stop getting kale when you want bacon:
- DON’T be surprised when the old “you get what you pay for” fundamental turns out to be true as we have literally been taught this for most of our adult lives
- DON’T expect the knowledge, expertise, and results of a senior-level Accountant or Advisor if only willing to pay for an entry-level Bookkeeper (as one example), or expect a General Practitioner holding a scalpel to perform brain surgery as well as a board-certified Neurosurgeon would (as another)
- DON’T think you have to know everything ~ but DO know enough to know what you don’t know
- DO learn to be specific about what the need is and how to get it, as well as who should help
- DO what you are really good at and enjoy doing, and leave the rest alone
- DO take in the advice of a proven expert, especially when it has already been paid for
- DO continue being the badass you were truly meant to be!
Ok, rant officially over. Back to the fancy stuff.
*If I have not completely scared you off yet, and you/your business have needs I can assist with or help you get more specific about, feel free to schedule a consult HERE: https://calendly.com/qbpaige
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